Gou Zai Fei Men made up myths

However, Su Xiao slowly shook her head, her pretty face showing a calmness and solemnity beyond her years: "Junior Brother Sun, Junior Brother Xiong, do not be blinded by the prosperity before your eyes."

"Think about it carefully, everyone. Why did these forces come so uniformly to curry favor, right after the battle in the secret realm and when the attitude of the Blazing Sun Sect was still unclear?"

"Behind this, how much is genuine reverence, how much is opportunism, how much is a diversionary tactic, and how much is being secretly pushed or tacitly approved by certain entities?"

Elder Han Lin stroked his beard and sighed, then said, "Xiao'er's words hit the nail on the head. The tree may wish to be still, but the wind will not cease. Our sect has suddenly gained great fame, seemingly surrounded by glory, but in reality, we are already standing at the forefront of the storm. This 'recognition' is less a gift than a test, a poison disguised as honey."

"The 'territory' they acknowledge, while seemingly vast, is actually located on the edge of the Black Wind Mountains. Its resources are not the most concentrated, and it borders major powers such as the Blazing Sun Sect, the Earthly Fiend Gang, and the Burning Heaven Valley, making it a battleground on all sides!"

"Once our sect accepts this, it means we will have to shoulder the responsibility of resisting pressure from all sides and maintaining regional stability, while also becoming the primary target of all those who covet the secret realm! This is a scheme to use one enemy to devour another and shift the blame to another!"

Shi Tie frowned as he listened, muttering, "This...this is so complicated? We can't just spit out this easy prize we've already got, can we?"

Shen Mo took in everyone's reactions before finally speaking, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable composure: "Spitting it out is out of the question. If we dare not accept the territory and resources offered to us, it would only make our Qingyun Sect appear cowardly and incompetent, making us a laughingstock and chilling the hearts of our disciples."

He changed the subject, his gaze sharpening: "But, how to respond requires tact. Elder Han."

"Yes, sir." Han Lin bowed.

"In response to these forces, gifts should be accepted as appropriate, but return gifts must be generous and appropriate, demonstrating the grandeur of our sect, neither humble nor arrogant. Cooperation can be discussed, but a strict soul contract must be established, with clear terms and distinct responsibilities, especially regarding the definition of territories, ownership of resource points, and division of security responsibilities. All of these must be in writing, without any ambiguity."

Initial cooperation should be small-scale rather than large-scale, to observe its effects. As for matters concerning vassals or sending core disciples, all such requests should be politely declined. It should be stated that the foundation of our sect lies in the purity of our lineage, requiring focused development and not expansion for the time being.

"In short, accept the sweet talk, but retaliate with force. Receive warmly, respond cautiously, and never yield an inch on core interests."

"Yes, Sect Leader." Han Lin solemnly accepted the order.

Shen Mo then looked at Su Xiao: "Junior Sister Xiao, investigate the true intentions and recent movements of these people, especially those who have intricate connections with the Lieyang Sect, Fentian Valley, and Five Poisons Sect, using all available channels. Don't skimp on the spirit stones spent at the Hundred Treasures Pavilion."

"Understood, Senior Brother Sect Leader." Su Xiao nodded solemnly, a glint of shrewdness flashing in her beautiful eyes.

"Furthermore," Shen Mo's eyes flashed with a cold light, his tone resolute, "verbal admissions are not enough! We must show everyone that my Qingyun Sect has the strength and the determination to protect this 'family business'!"

"Order: Effective immediately, the area within a 600-mile radius of Blackstone Village and Shadowmoon Valley, extending east to Eagle's Beak Ravine, west to the source of the Dark River, south to Blackwater Marsh, and north to the Weeping Blood Wasteland, shall be designated as the protected territory of my Qingyun Sect!"

"Within this area, private duels are strictly prohibited, and large-scale looting is forbidden. Violators will be considered as provoking our sect, and the War Hall may eliminate them first and then report to the authorities! Sun Hao, Xiong Meng!"

"Here!" Sun Hao and Xiong Meng stood up abruptly, clasped their hands in response, and their voices resounded throughout the hall.

"You two are hereby ordered to each lead a squad of elite warriors from the War Hall, departing immediately to patrol the newly established territory in shifts! If you encounter any disobedient individuals, plunder merchants, or are spies sent by others, do not seek permission; punish them severely according to the sect rules!"

"Our primary targets are the bandits entrenched in 'Poison Dragon Ravine,' and the 'Loose Cultivator Alliance' that refuses to leave the 'Wind Howl Mountain's' spiritual vein. We must use swift and decisive action to demonstrate the might of our Qingyun Sect!"

"Yes, Senior Brother Sect Leader! We guarantee to complete the mission!" Sun Hao and Xiong Meng's eyes blazed with fighting spirit as they resolutely accepted the order. This was a real demonstration of authority, far more powerful than mere verbal promises!

"Furthermore, to celebrate the sect finally gaining a foothold in the Southern Region of the Eastern Wilderness, I intend to hold a grand sect celebration in a few days. The specific arrangements are as follows..."

With the arrangements finalized, everyone in the hall was in high spirits, eager to get started. However, just as Shen Mo was about to dismiss everyone so they could go about their own business, a disciple on duty hurriedly entered, his voice tinged with tension and excitement:

"Reporting to the Sect Leader! An envoy from the Blazing Sun Sect has arrived outside the mountain gate! Quite a force to be reckoned with, they say they are here on the orders of the Crimson Sun Ancestor to deliver important documents and... congratulate our sect on the establishment of our new territory!"

The hall fell silent instantly! All eyes were once again focused on Shen Mo.

The Blazing Sun Sect! At this sensitive moment when all forces are gathered and the Azure Cloud Sect has just announced its sphere of influence, they have sent an envoy of even higher rank! What is their intention?

Shen Mo's eyes remained calm, as if he had expected this. He said calmly, "Open the central gate, play welcoming music, and greet us with the highest honors. Please meet the envoy in the main hall."

The leader was none other than the Venerable Xuan Yang, a highly respected elder in the Blazing Sun Sect, second only to a Golden Core cultivator! His cultivation had reached the Great Perfection of Foundation Establishment, just one step away from the Golden Core stage, and his aura was as deep as the sea!

Behind him followed eight stewards of the Blazing Sun Sect, four of whom held gilded jade plates covered with bright yellow brocade, shimmering with spiritual light, clearly containing something extraordinary.

Master Xuanyang was dressed in a crimson-gold Taoist robe. He had a lean face, three long wisps of beard, and his eyes shone with a restrained brilliance, exuding an aura of authority.

His gaze swept over the assembled envoys, lingering briefly on several familiar faces. A barely perceptible smile curved his lips. He then turned to Shen Mo and spoke in a clear, booming voice that echoed throughout the hall:

"Elder Xuan Yang of the Blazing Sun Sect, acting on the decree of the Crimson Sun True Man of our sect, has come to congratulate Sect Leader Shen of the Azure Cloud Sect on establishing his power in the Southwest and expanding the territory!"

He paused, gesturing to the steward behind him to lift the brocade. In the first jade plate was a crimson gold token engraved with a soaring sun; in the second jade plate was a golden scroll radiating spiritual energy; in the third jade plate were three crimson jade talisman keys emitting spatial fluctuations; and in the fourth jade plate was a purple-gold invitation.

"This is the 'Good Neighborliness and Friendship Order.' Seeing this order is like seeing our ancestor. The holder of this order can freely enter and exit the major immortal cities under the jurisdiction of the Blazing Sun Sect and enjoy the treatment of an elder!"

"This is the original copy of the 'Southwest Region Boundary Convention of the Black Wind Mountains,' witnessed and guaranteed by my Lieyang Sect, formally recognizing the Qingyun Sect's complete dominion over the declared six hundred li territory. No force may infringe upon it!"

"These are three keys to a Grade A seat in the 'Blazing Sun Top-Tier Market.' With these keys, you can set up a shop in our sect's core market, enjoy a 50% reduction in transaction taxes, and have priority in purchasing scarce resources!"

"Furthermore, after March, our sect will hold the 'Jiazi Golden Elixir Ceremony,' personally presided over by Ancestor Chiyang. We cordially invite Sect Leader Shen and his distinguished disciples to attend the ceremony and jointly comprehend the Great Dao!"

With each word spoken by Venerable Xuan Yang, the hearts of everyone in the hall beat faster! Especially the "Boundary Demarcation Convention" and the first-class market seats, their significance far exceeded the sum of all the previous forces!

This means that the Lieyang Sect, the overlord of the Southern Region of the Eastern Wilderness, has not only officially recognized the Qingyun Sect's sphere of influence, but has also granted it substantial trade preferences and a very high level of recognition!

They even invited him to participate in the Golden Core Ceremony, which only the leaders of top-tier sects were qualified to attend!